Monday, March 8th, 2010
Today's Passage: Galatians 6:7-9
Memory Verses: Gal. 6:7-9
One morning last week, I awoke to the sweet sound of birds chirping, signaling that spring is coming. You never know just how much you miss that sound until you actually hear it after the dreary months of winter. There's just something about the spring season that uplifts you and makes you look forward to the day ahead. By contrast, during the winter, you simply plow along, making yourself get up and do what you must to make it a successful day.
I suppose that's why this passage is so important to believers. If you're not careful, you will go through seasons of "winter" in your walk with Christ where you may think there may not be anything exciting going on. So you go from day to day, just putting one foot in front of the other. But God wants us to remember that He is God, the Sovereign One Who is in control of everything we do. He wants us to realize that He not only sees what we do, but He rewards every act of obedience.
One of the things it's important to remember about serving God is that NOTHING we do is insignificant. Just like the days which run into one another, we have to stay encouraged even through the "winter" times when we don't see the fruits of our efforts. Why? Because, sooner or later, our labor will bear fruit. That's why in this passage we are told to remember that we reap just what we sow. Every prayer we pray, every encouraging word that we speak to others, and everytime we obey God and bring His kingdom here on the earth, we're planting seeds that may not be seen during the winter days.
But look up! Do you hear the birds chirping yet? In your worship time, do you see the days getting brighter? Your Father wants you to be encouraged. Keep doing what you're doing for Him, and don't get tired while doing it. If you have kids, you know how important it is for them to keep a positive attitude when you ask them to do something. You know how well you plan to reward them if they don't complain while working for you.
Well, our Heavenly Father is no different. He's encouraging you today not to get tired of working for Him. Don't just "plow away" at your assignment; stay in an attitude of gratitude, and fellowshp with other believers who are as positive as you are trying to be. When God says, "you SHALL", that means there's no doubt your promise is on its way. If you ask me, that's more than enough reason to wake up with joy.
Prayer: Father, thank You that it is Your heart to reward us for the things we do for Your kingdom. You know that so many distractions come from the enemy that attempt to keep us in the dark of winter, so I'm grateful today that You have made a way for us to be strengthened in You. Fill me now, Holy Spirit. Let Your breath of life be the thing that propels me through every day, and let my life continue to bring You praise. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
It Takes A Man!!!
Today's Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:21
Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:22
Sunday, March 6, 2010
Blessings Friends & Lifers! I was listening to a sermon one day and the preacher asked a question that resonated in my spirit. The question was "With all power at His disposal, why didn't God simply conquer death from His throne in Heaven? Why send Jesus? Why the horror of the cross?"
As that question turned in my spirit, I was reminded about the story I heard about an ant. Yes, just humor me for a moment. One day an ant strayed away from his family and decided he would go his own way. As he crawled away, he approached a path that led to a busy roadway. At that moment, a little boy looked down and saw the ant. The boy was moved with compassion as the ant walked closer and closer toward what looked to be impending death. The boy put his hand in front of the ant, hoping to make him turn back toward safety and security. But the ant crawled over his hand and kept going. Again, the boy attempted to re-direct the ant but the ant persisted yet again. After a few failed attempts to save the ant, the boy thought: "I'll send another ant to see if he'll follow him to safety". The last effort proved to be successful. Now imagine the little boy is God and we are the ant. No matter how hard God tried, we still would not adhere to His warnings. We were still not willing to accept His hand of safety. So He sent a "Man" who was full of His spirit, but exposed to the barrier of being human like us.
See, Jesus had to come and walk as a man for our deliverance to be successful. We would not have been able to concieve Him coming in His God-form. Like the ant, we would not have been able to relate to the "big hand" in front of us. Our spirits weren't ready for that level of intervention. The bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:21, "since by man came death, by Man came also the resurrection of the dead". See, Adam (man) messed it up, so God provided Jesus (Man) to fix it. So no excuses. As a "man", we can take authority over sin and death. And as a "man", we're responsible for bringing other men to God. After all, you're equipped with all you need. What's that you say? You're a live ant....I mean, man!
Prayer:
Thank You Jesus for saving me. I realize without You my life would've ended long ago. I can't imagine being eternally separated from You. I am forever Yours...in Jesus' Name, Amen!
Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:22
Sunday, March 6, 2010
Blessings Friends & Lifers! I was listening to a sermon one day and the preacher asked a question that resonated in my spirit. The question was "With all power at His disposal, why didn't God simply conquer death from His throne in Heaven? Why send Jesus? Why the horror of the cross?"
As that question turned in my spirit, I was reminded about the story I heard about an ant. Yes, just humor me for a moment. One day an ant strayed away from his family and decided he would go his own way. As he crawled away, he approached a path that led to a busy roadway. At that moment, a little boy looked down and saw the ant. The boy was moved with compassion as the ant walked closer and closer toward what looked to be impending death. The boy put his hand in front of the ant, hoping to make him turn back toward safety and security. But the ant crawled over his hand and kept going. Again, the boy attempted to re-direct the ant but the ant persisted yet again. After a few failed attempts to save the ant, the boy thought: "I'll send another ant to see if he'll follow him to safety". The last effort proved to be successful. Now imagine the little boy is God and we are the ant. No matter how hard God tried, we still would not adhere to His warnings. We were still not willing to accept His hand of safety. So He sent a "Man" who was full of His spirit, but exposed to the barrier of being human like us.
See, Jesus had to come and walk as a man for our deliverance to be successful. We would not have been able to concieve Him coming in His God-form. Like the ant, we would not have been able to relate to the "big hand" in front of us. Our spirits weren't ready for that level of intervention. The bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:21, "since by man came death, by Man came also the resurrection of the dead". See, Adam (man) messed it up, so God provided Jesus (Man) to fix it. So no excuses. As a "man", we can take authority over sin and death. And as a "man", we're responsible for bringing other men to God. After all, you're equipped with all you need. What's that you say? You're a live ant....I mean, man!
Prayer:
Thank You Jesus for saving me. I realize without You my life would've ended long ago. I can't imagine being eternally separated from You. I am forever Yours...in Jesus' Name, Amen!
No Preservatives!!!
Today's Passage: Romans 8:16-17
Memory Verse: Ephesians 2:10
Saturday, March 5, 2010
Blessings, Friends & Lifers! If someone were to ask you who you were, what would your answer be? Many of us answer that question based on what we do. Some of us answer based on what we like. So I ask, why is it so easy for us to identify ourselves by partial things? I was in the store the other day and I picked an item from the shelf. On my way to check out, my attention was drawn to the ingredients listed on the back of the container. What? The product was full of this and full of that. It caused me to question whether I was getting what I truly wanted.
I think God feels the same way. He knows who we really are. Yet, He still cares for us. However, we still come to Him with all our additives and preservatives in the hopes of convincing Him we're so much better than what's actually in the container. The truth is, the real man is exactly what God is looking for. He has no interest in what the world has added to us. He doesn't care about what we dress ourselves up with to convince others of our importance. He just wants us. What "He" created. My wife likes us to eat things that are described as "whole grain". You know, food items without all the dyes and chemicals that fill the other stuff. God wants us whole. He wants us the way we were intended.
The challenge today is for you to find out who you really are. Honestly, you'll not be successful in doing this without reading God's word. If you try to find identity in where you live, work, or who you're related to, the only thing you'll find is a bunch of additives and preservatives!!!
Prayer:
Father as I find my way through this life, help me grow more in You. Let my first desire be to identify more and more with You. Although I have been through many things, I choose to not be identified by them. I will not allow them to discourage or distract me. My life is always in Your hands, in Jesus' Name...Amen!
Memory Verse: Ephesians 2:10
Saturday, March 5, 2010
Blessings, Friends & Lifers! If someone were to ask you who you were, what would your answer be? Many of us answer that question based on what we do. Some of us answer based on what we like. So I ask, why is it so easy for us to identify ourselves by partial things? I was in the store the other day and I picked an item from the shelf. On my way to check out, my attention was drawn to the ingredients listed on the back of the container. What? The product was full of this and full of that. It caused me to question whether I was getting what I truly wanted.
I think God feels the same way. He knows who we really are. Yet, He still cares for us. However, we still come to Him with all our additives and preservatives in the hopes of convincing Him we're so much better than what's actually in the container. The truth is, the real man is exactly what God is looking for. He has no interest in what the world has added to us. He doesn't care about what we dress ourselves up with to convince others of our importance. He just wants us. What "He" created. My wife likes us to eat things that are described as "whole grain". You know, food items without all the dyes and chemicals that fill the other stuff. God wants us whole. He wants us the way we were intended.
The challenge today is for you to find out who you really are. Honestly, you'll not be successful in doing this without reading God's word. If you try to find identity in where you live, work, or who you're related to, the only thing you'll find is a bunch of additives and preservatives!!!
Prayer:
Father as I find my way through this life, help me grow more in You. Let my first desire be to identify more and more with You. Although I have been through many things, I choose to not be identified by them. I will not allow them to discourage or distract me. My life is always in Your hands, in Jesus' Name...Amen!
The Position of Praise
Friday, March 5th, 2010
Today's Passage: 2 Chronicles 20:18-25
Memory Verses: 2 Chronicles 20:22-23
Here's another movie scene for you: imagine you were among the 300 soldiers standing before the vast army of Xerxes with nowhere to retreat to. You know that death is certain, as you find yourself surrounded by thousands of enemies who are only awaiting their leader's command to attack. This is the climax of the epic movie of the Spartans, "300", which ends in the exact manner anyone would predict.
But here's the inspiring part of the film that reminds me of who we are as believers: even though they know they are about to die, those men stand tall and shout "Sparta" at the top of their lungs, declaring their loyalty for the army they serve with their last breath. And here's why we have every reason to praise God during every moment of whatever battle we're fighting.
In the passage, once Jehoshaphat receives confirmation that God is in control, he immediately begins to worship God. But he doesn't stop there; he appoints seasoned praisers to stand in position and carry out the purpose of exalting God even in the midst of their enemies. And as they continue to praise Him, that's when the soldiers begin to turn on one another and destroy each other.
Everytime I watch the movie "300", how I wish the ending could've been different for those courageous men. Just like it happened with Jehoshaphat's army, I wish angels would've appeared from out of the blue and killed every one of Xerxes' men. But boy, am I glad that we serve a God Who has promised to destroy our enemies when we stand boldly even in the heat of the battle and praise Him.
This is no fairy tale, saints. Praise works! It sends such confusion in the camp of the enemy that they are bound to lose track of you, especially when you do two things. First and foremost, believe in the Lord Your God, and you shall be established; secondly, believe his prophets (your pastors), and you shall prosper (v. 20). Third, as you allow the praisers that God has appointed to keep you in His presence, your enemies are sure to fall dead at your feet. Stand in the position of praise and see your enemies defeated today.
Prayer: Father, how can I thank You for making it possible for me to be victorious before my enemy? I am so grateful that You have made a way of escape for me no matter what battle I'm fighting today. I make a commitment to join with my pastors and praise leaders to shout out Your praise at all times. Thank You for the victory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: 2 Chronicles 20:18-25
Memory Verses: 2 Chronicles 20:22-23
Here's another movie scene for you: imagine you were among the 300 soldiers standing before the vast army of Xerxes with nowhere to retreat to. You know that death is certain, as you find yourself surrounded by thousands of enemies who are only awaiting their leader's command to attack. This is the climax of the epic movie of the Spartans, "300", which ends in the exact manner anyone would predict.
But here's the inspiring part of the film that reminds me of who we are as believers: even though they know they are about to die, those men stand tall and shout "Sparta" at the top of their lungs, declaring their loyalty for the army they serve with their last breath. And here's why we have every reason to praise God during every moment of whatever battle we're fighting.
In the passage, once Jehoshaphat receives confirmation that God is in control, he immediately begins to worship God. But he doesn't stop there; he appoints seasoned praisers to stand in position and carry out the purpose of exalting God even in the midst of their enemies. And as they continue to praise Him, that's when the soldiers begin to turn on one another and destroy each other.
Everytime I watch the movie "300", how I wish the ending could've been different for those courageous men. Just like it happened with Jehoshaphat's army, I wish angels would've appeared from out of the blue and killed every one of Xerxes' men. But boy, am I glad that we serve a God Who has promised to destroy our enemies when we stand boldly even in the heat of the battle and praise Him.
This is no fairy tale, saints. Praise works! It sends such confusion in the camp of the enemy that they are bound to lose track of you, especially when you do two things. First and foremost, believe in the Lord Your God, and you shall be established; secondly, believe his prophets (your pastors), and you shall prosper (v. 20). Third, as you allow the praisers that God has appointed to keep you in His presence, your enemies are sure to fall dead at your feet. Stand in the position of praise and see your enemies defeated today.
Prayer: Father, how can I thank You for making it possible for me to be victorious before my enemy? I am so grateful that You have made a way of escape for me no matter what battle I'm fighting today. I make a commitment to join with my pastors and praise leaders to shout out Your praise at all times. Thank You for the victory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Position Yourself!!!
Today's Passage: 2 Chronicles 20:17
Memory Verse: Psalms 37:23
Thursday March 4, 2010
Are you a sports fan who just saw your team lose a big one? I am. Okay, for those of you who aren't, have you ever been too late for something? Remember that toy during the big Christmas sale? Yeah, too late huh? Someone else just bought the last one....ugh! Now you know the feeling.
I was reviewing an old football game the other night and I couldn't believe how many times the players on defense was out of their assigned positions. You could literally see touchdowns by the other team that should've been interceptions by our team, or first downs that should've been tackles for losses. It seems being out of position by the smallest margin can prove to be costly. Okay, I may be belly-aching a bit but stay with me. Life is full of battles and challenges, successes and failures. So as we live as God's created, we must always seek to be where He's purposed us to be. Psalms 37:23 says "The steps of a good/righteous man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way". God maps out our daily steps before we get out of bed in the morning. It's like a spiritual GPS system. All we have to do is follow the voice in the system (you know what I mean).
It's important that we do this when faced with trials also. The enemy of our souls prides himself on ambushing us from every side. No area is off-limits. He wants to destroy our marriages, our children, our health, our finances, and everything in between. So if the enemy is going to attack me, I'd rather be in position when he does. Can you imagine trying to fight the devil while you're outside the plan/position of God? In 2 Chronicles 20:15, the Lord tells King Jehoshaphat not to be afraid of their impending battle with their enemies. He told the king that the battle wasn't his, it was God's. Wow! For those of you who are facing a challenge as you read this, know that the battle isn't yours...it's the Lord's.
The key to success however is obedience. God told Jehoshaphat not to be afraid because He knew fear causes people to go their own way. However, verse 17 in the afore mentioned chapter tells him to "position himself". In other words friends, don't go your own way. Follow God's GPS coordinates and you won't even have to fight. You can stand still an see the salvation of your marriage, children, health, and finances. What a promise!
I pray you find the strength to get in position. Let God's power be manifested in your life. Don't ever turn away from God for anyone or anything, and the victory will be yours!!!
Prayer:
Father I thank you for Your divine covering. I realize I need to follow the plan You've set out for me. As I am faithful to You and Your instructions I'll walk in victory over every attack of the enemy...In Jesus' Name... Amen!
Memory Verse: Psalms 37:23
Thursday March 4, 2010
Are you a sports fan who just saw your team lose a big one? I am. Okay, for those of you who aren't, have you ever been too late for something? Remember that toy during the big Christmas sale? Yeah, too late huh? Someone else just bought the last one....ugh! Now you know the feeling.
I was reviewing an old football game the other night and I couldn't believe how many times the players on defense was out of their assigned positions. You could literally see touchdowns by the other team that should've been interceptions by our team, or first downs that should've been tackles for losses. It seems being out of position by the smallest margin can prove to be costly. Okay, I may be belly-aching a bit but stay with me. Life is full of battles and challenges, successes and failures. So as we live as God's created, we must always seek to be where He's purposed us to be. Psalms 37:23 says "The steps of a good/righteous man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way". God maps out our daily steps before we get out of bed in the morning. It's like a spiritual GPS system. All we have to do is follow the voice in the system (you know what I mean).
It's important that we do this when faced with trials also. The enemy of our souls prides himself on ambushing us from every side. No area is off-limits. He wants to destroy our marriages, our children, our health, our finances, and everything in between. So if the enemy is going to attack me, I'd rather be in position when he does. Can you imagine trying to fight the devil while you're outside the plan/position of God? In 2 Chronicles 20:15, the Lord tells King Jehoshaphat not to be afraid of their impending battle with their enemies. He told the king that the battle wasn't his, it was God's. Wow! For those of you who are facing a challenge as you read this, know that the battle isn't yours...it's the Lord's.
The key to success however is obedience. God told Jehoshaphat not to be afraid because He knew fear causes people to go their own way. However, verse 17 in the afore mentioned chapter tells him to "position himself". In other words friends, don't go your own way. Follow God's GPS coordinates and you won't even have to fight. You can stand still an see the salvation of your marriage, children, health, and finances. What a promise!
I pray you find the strength to get in position. Let God's power be manifested in your life. Don't ever turn away from God for anyone or anything, and the victory will be yours!!!
Prayer:
Father I thank you for Your divine covering. I realize I need to follow the plan You've set out for me. As I am faithful to You and Your instructions I'll walk in victory over every attack of the enemy...In Jesus' Name... Amen!
H.U.M.P. Day!!!
Wednesday March 3, 2010
Hello Friends & Lifers!
H.U.M.P. (His Ultimate Mission & Purpose) Day is all about sharing the love of God in our community. We challenge the Body of Christ to be activated in the world as the salt and light of the Earth. So your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to find someone to share the love of Jesus with today.
All Lifers!!! Be one of the first 4 people to contact the church office with proof of your H.U.M.P. Day activity to receive special acknowledgement from Pastors Chad & Nette at service tonight (attendance is required).
Let's Go!!!!!
Hello Friends & Lifers!
H.U.M.P. (His Ultimate Mission & Purpose) Day is all about sharing the love of God in our community. We challenge the Body of Christ to be activated in the world as the salt and light of the Earth. So your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to find someone to share the love of Jesus with today.
All Lifers!!! Be one of the first 4 people to contact the church office with proof of your H.U.M.P. Day activity to receive special acknowledgement from Pastors Chad & Nette at service tonight (attendance is required).
Let's Go!!!!!
God's Ultimate Will for the Body
Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010
Today's Passage: Ephesians 4:1-16
Memory Verses: Eph. 4:1-3, 13-16
In our society, we often laugh at how ridiculous it looks when some parents allow their children to remain in one developmental stage too long (in diapers, or keeping the pacifier, for example). But even the most tolerant person would gladly admit that an eight-year-old who still has to be changed or nursed is no laughing matter. This is the image the Father wants to give us of the state of our individual churches, and His body as a whole, so that we can develop an intolerant attitude for the things that keep us from growing up.
The passage speaks of us walking worthy of our calling (that of saints), free from confusion and re-hashing old matters that only cause us to walk in strife with one another. A child's dependence on his mother for nourishment rather than wanting to feed himself is a sign of selfishness, which is what we communicate when we put ourselves before the needs of others.
For this reason, God's ultimate will for His children was to supply us with the Holy Spirit, Who would require us to exercise the character of humility, longsuffering, and patient love. He knows that His children will never desire to become potty-trained without His Spirit, which will result in our leaving the stench of our old sin nature everywhere we go. So thanks be to the Father for knowing that we need our apostles, pastors, prophets, evangelists, and teachers to train and equip us on how to let go of our destructive attitudes while learning how to treat one another.
Through this painstaking process, we learn how to submit to His will. But we slow the progress down when we become impatient with others in the body who have not yet understood how important it is to depend on the Holy Spirit's discipline. But God is merciful, and has already promised that He will send His Son back for a church without spot or wrinkle. So you'd better believe He will continue to convict and woo us through His Spirit until we ALL come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, mature and ready to reflect Christ's love to a dying world.
Prayer: Father, how loving and patient You are, setting up a plan for Your children that involves training us to let go of the things that do not bring Your Name glory. Forgive us for sometimes forgetting that our lives are not just about us, but that You are equipping us for growing Your kingdom. Help me do my part to work with the Holy Spirit and keep unity in the bond of peace as You accomplish Your Will in all our lives. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: Ephesians 4:1-16
Memory Verses: Eph. 4:1-3, 13-16
In our society, we often laugh at how ridiculous it looks when some parents allow their children to remain in one developmental stage too long (in diapers, or keeping the pacifier, for example). But even the most tolerant person would gladly admit that an eight-year-old who still has to be changed or nursed is no laughing matter. This is the image the Father wants to give us of the state of our individual churches, and His body as a whole, so that we can develop an intolerant attitude for the things that keep us from growing up.
The passage speaks of us walking worthy of our calling (that of saints), free from confusion and re-hashing old matters that only cause us to walk in strife with one another. A child's dependence on his mother for nourishment rather than wanting to feed himself is a sign of selfishness, which is what we communicate when we put ourselves before the needs of others.
For this reason, God's ultimate will for His children was to supply us with the Holy Spirit, Who would require us to exercise the character of humility, longsuffering, and patient love. He knows that His children will never desire to become potty-trained without His Spirit, which will result in our leaving the stench of our old sin nature everywhere we go. So thanks be to the Father for knowing that we need our apostles, pastors, prophets, evangelists, and teachers to train and equip us on how to let go of our destructive attitudes while learning how to treat one another.
Through this painstaking process, we learn how to submit to His will. But we slow the progress down when we become impatient with others in the body who have not yet understood how important it is to depend on the Holy Spirit's discipline. But God is merciful, and has already promised that He will send His Son back for a church without spot or wrinkle. So you'd better believe He will continue to convict and woo us through His Spirit until we ALL come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, mature and ready to reflect Christ's love to a dying world.
Prayer: Father, how loving and patient You are, setting up a plan for Your children that involves training us to let go of the things that do not bring Your Name glory. Forgive us for sometimes forgetting that our lives are not just about us, but that You are equipping us for growing Your kingdom. Help me do my part to work with the Holy Spirit and keep unity in the bond of peace as You accomplish Your Will in all our lives. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)